A DYING man and his family have made an emotional plea for help to access an expensive cancer treatment that could extend or even save his life.

54-year-old Marcus Fernee from South Brent is in the latter stages of throat cancer. He has undergone two operations already, but NHS surgeons have said they will not operate a third time as the consequences for Marcus’ quality of life would be too severe.

The last operation damaged his vocal cords to the extent that Marcus can no longer eat or drink except via a tube, and can barely talk.

However Marcus, already father to two grown up children Arrian, 24 and Lily, 20, now has even more reason to fight for life. He recently met Saz Skinner, who he describes as the love of his life, and is desperate to be there for her and her four children in the future.

And now, Marcus says, he has been told immunotherapy could give him that chance.

He said: ’I have cancer and as it stands, I am dying. My consultant would like to prescribe me immunotherapy, which may save my life but would cost around £200,000, including nursing care. I have got nothing.

’I have so much to live for. At the end of my life, I have met the love of my life, Saz, who I would like to grow old with.

’I have a beautiful 20-year-old daughter who lost her mother to cancer. I would like to be there when she graduates in two years’ time.

’My son and his wife are having a baby in eight months and I would like to meet that baby.

’My partner Saz has had a difficult life and it is my job to make her life alright. I cannot do that if I am dead.

’She has a daughter who has not had a father and she is looking to me to be her father, and I would like to do that.’

Marcus’ stepson Jules Skinner has launched an online appeal to raise £250,000 to pay for the treatment. He said: ’He understands that his chances are very low, and does not expect he will be around for much longer. This is a lot of money to raise in a very short time.

’Marcus has said that because his chances are very low and the goal is very high, if he does die before the campaign can reach £250,000 or if it doesn’t make it to £250,000, he wants to use everyone’s generous donations to further our understanding of cancer and to bring us closer to finding a cure in future. So whatever amount is raised will be donated to research into cancer.

’We hope you can find it in your hearts to donate to this fundraiser. The odds are not in Marcus’ favour, but we will not stop trying.’

After Lily’s mother died of cancer, Jules said, Marcus was a single father for many years working hard to provide for his children. He met Saz very recently, and the pair went on their first date just months ago.

Marcus took Saz for a candlelit dinner, even though he could not eat or drink himself. The two hit it off, and got married a week after the doctor told them Marcus was going to die.

Marcus added: ’I don’t want to die and would like to live. If you can find it in your hearts to put some money towards saving my life I would be very grateful.’

To find out more and support the appeal, visit www.gofundme.com/MarcusCancerTreatmentFund .